Isle of Wight courts hears teen carried combat knife 'for comfort'

Sky Day ­— formerly Samantha Day ­— of Main Road, Rookley, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court last Monday (September 6).

At a previous hearing on August 17, she admitted possession of a knife in a public place, on July 30.

Her case was adjourned so a pre-sentence report could be drawn up.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court that at approximately 8pm in the evening, Southern Vectis staff reported a conversation to police, wherein the teenager had been talking to her friend about stabbing someone.

She said the bus she was travelling on was tracked to East Cowes and police attended.

Mrs Smout said Day was among a group of people sitting on a bench near Waitrose, and when she noticed an approaching officer, she attempted to flee.

The court heard the attending officer gave chase and Day was quickly detained.

When she was being searched, Day told police the knife was around the front waistband of her trousers, and she was arrested shortly after.

In police interview, Day said she was given the knife by a friend and carried it for comfort.

She told police she was fearful of being attacked but had no intention of using it.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Day displayed remorse for her actions and made no attempt to justify or minimise her behaviour.

He said she was an extremely vulnerable individual who endured significant childhood trauma.

Mr Vincent said seven inches was the total length of the knife, while the blade itself was roughly three inches. He said it was a foldable knife and the blade was tucked in when found and was not visible.

He said Day met someone who previously bullied her at the bus station ­— a chance encounter ­— and on the bus, she was merely venting to a friend and had no intention of actually stabbing the person.

Day was given a 12-month community order, to include 20 rehabilitation days, and was fined £80, with costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.